Day 1
St. Sophia Cathedral (圣索菲亚大教堂)
St. Sophia Cathedral is a former Russian Orthodox church built in 1907 and is now a museum showcasing Harbin’s architectural history and Russian influence.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Not available; Harbin has limited metro lines.
By Taxi:
10–15 RMB from most downtown locations.
By Bus:
Routes 1, 20, 23, 64, or 101 stop near the cathedral.
Tickets and Costs
Entry Fee: 20 RMB.
Opening Hours
9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
What to Do
1. Admire the exterior architecture, including the iconic green dome and red brick facade.
2. Explore the museum inside, featuring photos and artifacts of Harbin’s Russian history.
3. Take photos in the nearby square, especially in winter when it’s decorated with snow sculptures.
Tips
• Visit early to avoid crowds, as it’s a popular photo spot.
• Nearby Zhongyang Pedestrian Street is within walking distance, making it a great pairing.
Zhongyang Pedestrian Street (中央大街)
A bustling, cobblestone street featuring Russian-style architecture, shops, cafes, and street food vendors.
How to Get There
By Taxi:
10–15 RMB from most downtown areas.
By Bus:
Routes 2, 13, 23, or 64 stop nearby.
Tickets and Costs
• No entry fee; open all day.
What to Do
1. Stroll the street and admire the European-style buildings.
2. Try local snacks like Harbin sausages, Russian bread, and ice cream (even in winter).
3. Shop for souvenirs such as Russian matryoshka dolls, chocolates, and local crafts.
Tips
• Go in the evening for a lively atmosphere with lights and decorations.
• Dress warmly, as it can get windy in winter.
Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo (太阳岛雪雕艺术博览会)
This outdoor park features massive snow sculptures of animals, landmarks, and mythical figures.
How to Get There
By Taxi:
20–30 RMB from downtown Harbin (~20 minutes).
By Bus:
Take routes 29, 47, or 88 to Sun Island Park.
Tickets and Costs
Entry Fee: ~200 RMB (price varies by season).
Opening Hours:
8:30 AM–7:30 PM.
What to Do
1. Walk among towering snow sculptures and admire their intricate designs.
2. Participate in winter activities like snowball fights or sledding.
3. Take photos during the evening when some sculptures are illuminated.
Tips
• Wear boots with good traction to walk on snow comfortably.
• Visit in the afternoon to enjoy the sculptures in daylight and stay for evening lights.
Day 2
Siberian Tiger Park (东北虎林园)
This breeding center houses hundreds of Siberian tigers and offers safari-style tours to see them in their natural habitat.
How to Get There
By Taxi:
30–40 RMB from downtown Harbin (~20 minutes).
By Bus:
Route 85 to the park entrance.
Tickets and Costs
Entry Fee: 90 RMB.
Opening Hours
9:00 AM–4:00 PM.
What to Do
1. Take a bus safari tour through the enclosures to see tigers roaming freely.
2. Visit smaller enclosures with other big cats like lions and leopards.
3. Learn about conservation efforts at the visitor center.
Tips
• Avoid feeding tigers (even though it’s offered), as this can be controversial.
• Visit early in the day when the tigers are more active.
Ice Swimming on the Songhua River
A local winter tradition where participants swim in the freezing Songhua River. Visitors can spectate or try it themselves.
How to Get There
• The event is held near Stalin Park, accessible by taxi (10–15 RMB) or a short walk from Zhongyang Pedestrian Street.
Tickets and Costs
• Cost to Watch: Free.
• Cost to Participate: ~50–100 RMB.
What to Do
1. Watch swimmers dive into the icy water from specially prepared platforms.
2. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with music and cheering crowds.
Tips
• Participation is not recommended unless you’re acclimated to extreme cold.
• Wear layers and windproof clothing, as the riverfront is very chilly.
Harbin Ice and Snow World (冰雪大世界)
The main event of the Harbin Ice Festival, featuring enormous ice castles, slides, and illuminated sculptures.
How to Get There
By Taxi:
30–40 RMB from downtown Harbin (~30 minutes).
By Bus:
Routes 29, 47, or 88 to the Ice and Snow World.
Tickets and Costs
Entry Fee: 330–400 RMB (depending on season and time).
Opening Hours
3:00 PM–10:00 PM.
What to Do
1. Explore ice castles, mazes, and themed sculptures.
2. Slide down ice slides or ride ice bikes.
3. Enjoy light shows and evening displays.
Tips
• Visit after sunset to see the sculptures illuminated.
• Dress warmly with insulated boots and gloves.
Day 3
Harbin Polarland (哈尔滨极地馆)
A polar-themed aquarium featuring marine animals, polar bears, and live performances.
How to Get There
By Taxi:
30–40 RMB from downtown Harbin (~20 minutes).
By Bus:
Routes 85 or 88 to the park.
Tickets and Costs
Entry Fee: ~150 RMB.
Opening Hours
9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
What to Do
1. Watch the polar bear or beluga whale performances.
2. Explore exhibits of marine animals and polar ecosystems.
Unit 731 Museum (731部队罪证遗址)
A sobering museum documenting the atrocities committed by Japan’s Unit 731 during WWII.
How to Get There
By Taxi:
40–50 RMB from downtown Harbin (~30 minutes).
By Bus:
Take a direct bus or combination of routes to Pingfang District.
Tickets and Costs
Entry Fee: Free.
Opening Hours
9:00 AM–4:00 PM.
What to Do
1. Explore the exhibitions and preserved facilities.
2. Reflect on the history and impact of the events documented.
Zhaolin Park Ice Lantern Fair (兆麟公园冰灯游园会)
A smaller-scale ice festival featuring intricate lanterns and sculptures.
How to Get There
By Taxi:
10–15 RMB from downtown Harbin.
By Foot:
A short walk from Zhongyang Pedestrian Street.
Tickets and Costs
Entry Fee: ~100 RMB.
Opening Hours
9:00 AM–9:30 PM.
What to Do
1. Walk through colorful ice lantern displays.
2. Enjoy a quieter, more intimate setting than the Ice and Snow World.
Attraction Details
All information is subject to change.